Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
the Earth was not the center of the universe. One should remember, in the
past medical knowledge was held up for a thousand years due to prohibition
against dissection. The editor of Science suggested that we must proceed
with biotechnology, but we should proceed with caution ( Koshland, 1989 ).
Biotechnology has proceeded. Genetically modified corn and soybeans
are routinely used around the world, but biotechnology is still controversial.
Many people fear GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in their
food. Golden Rice, which has been genetically modified to biosynthesize
beta-carotine could help prevent blindness in Africa, and genetically engi-
neered food animals are still not being used in the food supply. While editing
the last part of this chapter, we removed a sentence we wrote in 1998, which
read, “Today, genetic engineering is controversial, but tomorrow it may be
routine.” Fifteen years later, it is still controversial. In the U.S., research
funding for genetically modified food animals has ground to a halt
( Maxmen, 2012 ). In China and Brazil research on genetically modified
animals is continuing on projects such as fast-growing carp, cows with less
allergenic milk, and goats with milk that can be used to treat diarrhea. On
the other hand, genetic technologies could also be used to improve welfare.
An example is using genetic engineering to remove horns from dairy cows
so farmers will not have to perform painful removal ( Maxmen, 2012 ).
Colorado State University Professor Bernard Rollin, professor of animal
sciences, biomedical sciences, and philosophy, has introduced as a guiding
principle the concept of “conservation of welfare”: when genetically engi-
neering animals, the transgenic animals should be no worse off afterwards
than their parents were ( Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology, 2005 ).
We end this chapter with the last two sentences of the first author's paper
given in 1991.
We should proceed cautiously, but we should definitely proceed. Biotechnology can be
used for noble, frivolous, or evil purposes. Decisions on the ethical use of this powerful
new knowledge must not be made by extremists or people motivated purely by profit.
REFERENCES
Aalhus, J.L., Jones, S.D.M., Robertson, A.K.W., Tong, K.W., Sather, A.P., 1991. Growth charac-
teristics and carcass composition of pigs with known genotypes for stress susceptibility over
a weight range of 70 to 120 kg. Anim. Prod. 52, 347 353.
Ackerman, L.A., 2011. The genetic connection: a guide to health problems in purebred dogs.
Am. Anim. Hosp. Assoc.
Ahlstrom, S., Jarvis, S., Lawrence, A.B., 2002. Savaging gilts are more restless and responsive
to piglets during expulsive phase of parturition. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 76, 83 91.
Appleby, M.C., Lawrence, A.B., 1987. Food restriction as a cause of stereotypic behavior in
tethered gilts. Anim. Prod. 45, 103
110.
Arman, K., 2007. A new direction for kennel club regulations and breed standards. Can. Vet. J.
48, 953 965.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search